As a specialist in historical literature, I am delighted to delve into the fascinating subject of the first woman to publish a book. The question is a complex one, as it depends on the definition of "book" and the geographical and historical context in which it is considered. However, one of the earliest recorded instances of a woman publishing a book is attributed to an Italian poet, writer, and courtier named Aemilia Lanyer.

Aemilia Lanyer was born in 1569 and is known for her volume of poetry titled "Eve's Apology in Defense of Women", published in 1616. This work is notable not only for being authored by a woman but also for its content, which is a defense of women's virtues and capabilities, challenging the prevailing misogynistic attitudes of the time.

Lanyer's work is a collection of poems that includes a dedication to various women of the English court, including Queen Anne of Denmark, and it is through this dedication that she seeks to elevate the status of women. Her book is a significant milestone in the history of women's writing, as it represents one of the earliest examples of a woman asserting her voice and challenging societal norms through published literature.

It is also important to note that the history of women's writing is rich and varied, with many women contributing to the literary landscape long before their works were formally recognized or published. For instance, the Chinese poet Bai Juyi (772–846) mentioned a female poet named Xue Tao (768–831), who was a courtesan and poet in the Tang Dynasty. She is known to have written numerous poems, some of which were collected in a volume titled "The Collection of Xue Tao".

However, if we are to consider the first woman to publish a book in the Western tradition, Juliana Berners, also known as Dame Juliana Berners, is another candidate. She is credited with writing "A Boke of Saint Albans" in 1486, which is a collection of treatises on various subjects including hunting, hawking, and fishing. This book is significant as it is one of the earliest known books authored by a woman in England.

The mention of Hannah Adams is also noteworthy. Born in 1755, Adams published her first book in 1784, which was "*A Summary History of New England*". She is recognized as the first female professional writer in the United States who supported herself through her writing.

It is crucial to recognize that the history of women's publishing is filled with many firsts and milestones, each contributing to the rich tapestry of literature and the ongoing fight for gender equality in the literary world.

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In addition, I felt the need to add this woman: Hannah Adams. Hannah was born in 1755, and published her first book in 1784, 134 years after Anne's book of poetry. Hannah was the first female professional writer who supported herself with writing.read more >>